Sears 12581 manual

SEWING MACHINE[...]

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. Dear Customer: You have just invested in a very fine zigzag sewing machine. Before using your new Kenmore machine, please pause for a moment and carefully read this booklet which contains instructions on how to operate and care for your machine. Specific instructions are given on threading, tension adjustments, cleaning, oili[...]

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Your sewing ma(_hineis designed and constructed only for HOUSEHOLD use. Read all instruction before using this sewing machine. DAN G ER- To reduce the risk of electric shock: 1. An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this appliance from the electric outlet immediately after using an[...]

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS "For appliances With a potariz_ plug (one blade wider t_an the other)_ To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outl[...]

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION SECTION KNOW YOUR MACHINE A Portable Case or Cabinet is Available .............. 2 Locate and Identify the Parts .................. 2_3 Identify the Accessories ........................ 3 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Set Up the Machine ......................... 4_6 • Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power ....[...]

SECTION 1. KNOW YOUR MACHINE A Portable Case or Cabinet is Available A full line of sewing cabinets are available at your nearest Sears retail store or through our general catalog. Another option . . . buy a Carrying Case... then your Kenmore goes anywhere, can be stored any- where. Locate and Identify the Parts Take-up Lever Bobbin Winding Tension[...]

Arm Cover Plate Hand Wheel Auto Clutch Knob Light and Power Switch Plug Connector Foot Control Presser Foot Needle Clamp Screw Carrying Handle Presser Foot Lever Free Arm Nomenclature Plate SECTION 1. KNOW YOUR MACHINE Identify the Accessories Bobbin Lint brush Needle set nhole opener _Large screw driver Darning plate Straight stitch foot Satin sti[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Set Up the Machine Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power NOTE: Power supply plug sPw°itwce_ Z _'_Power Plu_l connector Machine plug J Before inserting the plug into your machine, be sure the power switch is OFF. Check your outlet to be sure it is a 110 to 120 Volt AC outlet. 2. Insert the machi[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Setting Spool Pin • Adjust the Presser Foot Lever • Thread Cutter t Spool pin = The spool pin is used for holding the spool of thread in order to feed thread to the machine. To use, pull up the spool pin. Push down for storage. Normal up position positior High position P position 'Presser foot lev[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Set Up the Machine (Continued) • Free-ArmSewing: the Removable = Accessory Storage Box Extension Table To Remove the Extension Table (for free-arm sewing) 1. 2, The lid of the accessory storage box lifts open toward you. Grip the table with your index finger Sewing accessories are conveni- and thumb, as [...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING > Your choice of needle and thread depends on the fabric you are sewing. In your needle envelope, you will find the following color-coded needles: Blue (11 ) ......... for stretch fabrics. Orange (11 ) ........ for lightweight fabrics. Red (14) .......... for medium or medium-heavy weight fabrics. Purpl[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Prepare the Bobbin • To Remove the Bobbin Case from the Machine • Wind the Bobbin J Remove the extension table from the machine by pulling it to the left. Open the shuttle cover by pulling down the embossed part on the left side of the cover. Raise needle to its hi_ghest position by rotating hand wheel[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE Y_OUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Wind the Bobbin (Continued) Draw thread from spool through bobbin winding tension disc as shown. Pull end of thread through hole in bobbin as shown. 7 Place bobbin onto bobbin winding spindle with end of thread coming from the top of the bobbin. Push bobbin winding spindle to the right until it clicks. Ho[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Prepare Your Top Thread • Thread Your Needle The numbered steps above follow the numbers on the illustrations. Dotted lines show places where the thread loops and then is pulled tight. I I i .... J _- J _ ,, _.. • Raise take-up lever to its highest position by turning hand wheel toward you. Raise press[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Pick Up Your Bobbin Thread Raise presser foot lever. Hold top thread loosely in left hand and rotate handwheel toward you one complete turn. 2. Bring bobbin thread up by pulling top thread, 3. F Pull both threads under and to the back of the presser foot, leaving 4 to 6 inches of thread clear. If you canno[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Adjust the Top Thread Tension Top side of fabric X ooI}! thread thread Setting mark Loosen t Tighten j ',, For Straight Stitch The ideal straight stitch will have threads locked between the two layers of fabric, as shown above, magnified to show detail. If you look at the stitch, front and back, you w[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING For Zigzag Stitch In the correct zigzag stitch, the bobbin threads will not show on the top side of fabric and the top threads will show slightly on the bottom side. See below for the correct appearance. To match this appearance, adjust your top tension. Top tension Top tension Too Tight Too Loose Just Rig[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING Stitch Selector Stitch Length Control Model 12781 Setting mark Stitch Se/lector ! I t l "_* i : I ch Select°r/ _ ; The stitch selector control not only determines the stitch you select, but also regulates the stitch width for regular zigzag and rick rack stretch stitches. The different types o[...]

Adjusting Stretch Stitch Balance /Setting mark f__ Stitch Length _oV,_ "_ / L___J / oL,_ ,__2_,3_4_s | I==, I , ,_ / ___k' I I "_l l • t Stitch Length Cont_rol_ To select Stretch Stitches, set this control at • position. In stretch stitch sewing, Stitch Length Control should be in the detent position between S and L (• pos[...]

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING StartingTo Sew Now that you are familiar with the controls on your machine and with the accessories provided for the machine, you are ready to start to sew with your new Kenmore sewing machine. Below are some good habits to follow each time you sit down to sew: 1. Inspect the needle. It should be straight,[...]

Straight Stitches • Straight Stitch Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector 1 Top thread tension Stitch length control 2 to 6 control orange Straight foot Zigzag foot 1. Raise thepresser foot. 2. Raise the needle to its highest position. 3. Place the edge of the fabric next to a stitching guide line on the needle plate (5/8" is most common). [...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Straight Stitches (Continued) • Use the DarningPlate Sor0etir_.t when _ ___v, you want to control the fabric youself. The Darning Plate covers the feed dogs so that they do not touch the fabric. To put on the Darning Plate: NOTE: The rectangular holes in the Darning Plate match the holes in the needle plate. In the d[...]

Darning Straight Stretch SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector I Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control any number No presser foot Darning plate Here's How 1. Put the darning plate on the needle plate (seep. 1_88). 2. Remove presser foot and stretch fabric Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector T[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Zigzag Stitches • Basic Zigzag Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 2 to 5 control orange =: Zigzag foot The Stitch and Its Uses The zigzag stitch is one of the most common and most versatile stitches on your machine. It can be a utility stitch for sewing buttons, buttonhole[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Satin Stitch Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control 0.5 to 1 Satin stitch foot Zigzag w dth: Stitch length : 1 2 3 4 Close to 0 The Satin stitch is a versatile and often used decorative stitch, but it can also be used to overcast a raw edge (for ex- ample, blanket[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Zigzag Stitches (Continued) Applique Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control 0.5 to 1 LL_ Satin stitch foot Baste (or fuse with iron-on fabric joiner) applique pieces on the fabric. Stitch around the applique making sure the needle falls along the outer edge of the[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Sew a Button Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control control 1 to 4 any number (not nec_adjust ) Zigzag foot Darning plate Use the darning plate for button sewing (see p. 188), 1. Set the stitch selector at " I ,, 2. Align the both holes of the button with the slot of the fo[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Zigzag Stitches (Continued) Overcasting Stitch Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control 1 to 2 Zigzag foot The Stitch and Its Uses This zigzag variation is very useful in garment construction and in finishing raw edges of any sewing project. Helpful Hints Start over[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Overcast Stretch Stitching (Models 12781, 12681 and 12581) Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control yellow _ stretch stitch position L__J Zigzag foot Here's How Place the raw edge of the fabric to the LEFT of the needle as shown. Stitch so the needle pierces th[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Zigzag Stitches (Continued) Three-Step Zigzag Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control 0,5 to 1 Zigzag foot J Seam Finishing Place the fabric under the presser foot so that the edge will be slightly inside the right hand side of the presser foot. Guide the work so t[...]

Blind Hemming (Models 12781, 12681 and 12581) SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector (Regular) Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control 1 to 3 Zigzag foot Set the Machine S_tjtch ........ St=i'_ch s_e_or _ _-- _ .... _ ...... Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control 1 to 3 foot Light [...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Buttonholes Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length contro control 1 to 5 Sliding buttonhole foot j Adjusting the Stitch Density Depending upon your fabric or your own preference in buttonholes, you may alter the buttonhole stitch density within the blue buttonhole range on the stitch le[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES 4. a. Set the stitch selector at c. Stop sewing at the right stitch. b. Sew 4 to 6 stitches. 51 al Set the Stitch _iect0r at _ i b. Sew until you reach the back marking of the buttonhole. c. Stop sewing at the right stitch. 6. a. _t the stitch selector ai_] m b. Sew 4 to 6 stitches. c. Stop sewing at the left stitch. 7[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Sew in a Zipper Fabric Preparation : Put the right sides of the fabric to- gether and sew to the end of the zip- per opening. Use the reverse to lock the stitches. Sew the zipper opening with stitch length at "4" and top thread tension at "3". Right side "'_,_ of fabric Top edge of fabr[...]

SECTION 3, LEARN THE STITCHES 8. Open the zipper. L Lower the presser foot and stitch the rest of the seam. INVISIBLE ZIPPER AND CORDING 10. Close the zipper and turn fabric right side up. INVISIBLE ZIPPER shOwn. Follow the zipper manufacturer's inst- ructions. After zipper has been inserted, finish sewing seam by shifting foot to side positio[...]

SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Shell Stitching (Models 12781 and 12681) Smocking Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 3 to 9 control 1 to 2 Zigzag foot The Stitch and Its Uses The Shell Stitch is formed by sewing a blind hem over folded fabric. Several rows of shell stitching are called shell tucks. Shell s[...]

Elastic Stretch Stitch (Model 12781 only) SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Box Stitching (Model 12781 only) Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control yellow ,_ stretch stitch position L__J Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension Stitch length control 1 to 4 control 1 Zigzag foot Z[...]

SECTION 4. PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS CHART What to Do When PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION Irregular Stitches Breaking Needle Bunching of Thread Puckering Incorrect size needle. Improper threading. Loose upper thread tension. Pulling fabric. Loose presser foot. Unevenly wound bobbin, Nicks or burrs at hole of needle plate. Choose correct size needle f[...]

SECTION 4. PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS CHART What to Do When (Continued) PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION Incorrect size needle. Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric• Bent or blunt needle. Insert new needle. Skipping Stitches Incorrect setting of needle. Reset needle. Tight upper thread tension. Loosen upper thread tension. Breaking Upper T[...]

SECTION 5, CARE FOR YOUR MACHINE Replacing the Light Bulb Cleaning the Machine I L 1. J Unplug the machine and open the face cover. CAUTION! The light bulb will be HOT. Protect your fingers when you handle it. 2. Push the bulb up and turn the bulb counter-clockwise to remove it. Put the new bulb in by pushing it up and turning it clockwise. To insu[...]

SECTION 5. CARE FOR YOUR MACHINE " • Clean the Shuttle Race This area must be kept free of dust, lint and occasional tangled thread. Clean the shuttle race area • about every three months. Center pin of the shuttle Shuttle driver Lever Lever Lever Bobbin case . To Clean the Shuttle Area: 1. Raise the needle bar to its highest point and rem[...]

SECTION 5. CARE FOR YOUR MACHINE Oiling the Machine Oil the machine in all areas shown on this page at least once a year; otherwise the machine can become sluggish or will knock loudly. If you use the machine frequently, oil the machine under the top cover about every three months. In case machine is not used for an extended time, oil it before sew[...]

PARTS LIST All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears store or service center. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: 1. PART NUMBER 2. PART DESCRIPTION 3. MODEL NUMBER 4. NAME OF ITEM If the parts you need are not stocked locally, your order will be electronically trans[...]

INDEX A Accessory storage box ............... 2, 6 Adjusting stretch stitch balance ......... 15 Applique ........................ 22 Arm cover plate .................. 3, 38 B Bar tacking ...................... 22 Basic zigzag ...................... 20 Blind hemming .................... 27 Bobbin ................... 3, 8 "_ 9, 39 Bobbin case [...]

MEMO[...]

MEMO[...]

WARRANTY '= FULL 25-YEAR WARRANTY ON SEWING MACHINE HEAD For 25 years from the date of purchase, Sears will, free of charge, repair defects in material or workmanship which appear ; • ---" in the mechanical components of the sewing machine head. i) - FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF SEWING MACHINE _) For two years from [...]